Does anyone know if anyone has a rebuild kit for first gen steering columns with all the wearable parts? Bearings, bushings etc...?
Thanks!

That lower column bearing might be a problem. I seem to recall it being obsolete, but also think someone had decided that a more recent Chevy truck had a bearing in the column that could take it's place.

Good luck!

Man it sure would be nice if some one put together a package for this.....(hint hint)??

I hear that Nicole.

I too am in the process of rebuilding my tilt column. The upper and lower column bearings can be found its the other parts that are a bear to find like seats and races. These folks have the lower bearing for 67-68 cars but that is all they have.

Rick Lanza
Steering Columns Galore, Inc.
888-326-5866
www.columnsgalore.com

Still waiting to hear back on birds and bowties as to what they may offer for 67-68.

http://birdsandbowties.com/

I will post after i hear back from all those i have contacted and hopefully have some concrete sources for these parts or options available?

Is there something special about the bearings that makes it impossible to order it from a bearing house?

alan

I had mine totally restored for $125. Just an option.

68SScamaroinks, do you have a link? i would like to change mine from the manual shift column to an auto floor shift column.

I hear that Nicole.

I too am in the process of rebuilding my tilt column. The upper and lower column bearings can be found its the other parts that are a bear to find like seats and races. These folks have the lower bearing for 67-68 cars but that is all they have.

Rick Lanza
Steering Columns Galore, Inc.
888-326-5866
www.columnsgalore.com (http://www.columnsgalore.com)

Still waiting to hear back on birds and bowties as to what they may offer for 67-68.

http://birdsandbowties.com/

I will post after i hear back from all those i have contacted and hopefully have some concrete sources for these parts or options available?

I used the lower bearing from columns galore it worked great. They had a 100.00 minimum to ship , so if you need other column parts have a list ready.
My original bearing fell apart when I pulled the shaft.

I will look through my receipts and see where I had it done. I remember getting their information from this site. They did a great job and my columns came back as good as new.

Has anyone found a suopplier that has the plastic screw on washer that retains the tolerance spring that threads into the inner column ,67-68 tilt steering vehicals. Why they went with route is a mystery?

Ricks camaros has a lower replacement adapter and bearing for $84.00 plus handling fees but they are not aware if tension spring washer will work with it! The tilt bearing for 67-68 the elcamino is only $75.00? I can not see a difference, guess having the name camaro adds $ to the part.

As far as a bearing house go, that i will be visiting tomorrow to see what they can match. :)

69 and up bearings are different and require modification to answer the question above.

Visited the bearing house today and was able to get the ball bearings individually but the bearings themselves have been discontinued. I purchased new ball bearings for $1.60 for the top bearing as the carrier and race where fine.

They are also unable to supply a bearing that fits into the bottom adapter. That clears that up route up.

Talk to Al at Super Muscle Parts in Sac Town.
www.supermuscleparts.com 800-624-6490

Here is another lower bearing supplier for tilt steering columns 67- 68. Just bought mine from Ricks for $94.00. plus shipping however. :(

This lower bearing support is manufactured from Delrin material, the bearing is new and is made in the USA. This assembly installs into the mast jacket like the original and attaches to the mast jacket with two small stainless steel scews that are included rather than the plastic clips that was used originally. This installation results in a much more secure fit for the lower bearing. No modification to the steering column is needed to install this assembly. should the link below expire you can search for vendor ( cjsrods73j3 ) on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/67-68-Chevelle-Camaro-Impala-Column-Bearing-WT-New-Part_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQh ashZitem1e582bc473QQitemZ130328282227QQptZMotorsQ5 fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Further to this i have purchased the top ball bearings individually from a bearing house as the plastic ring or housing the bearings was in great shape. Cost. $2.04 Note Top bearing can be purchased from most part houses.

Lower bearing was discontinued two years ago although you can find them on occasion on ebay for $139.00 for just the bearing. The plastic adapters that hold the lower bearing have too been discontinued and have yet to see an original show up on ebay or specilaty shops. The plastic washer and sleeve are also discontinued and I have yet to see an original offered anywhere through ebay or specilaty shops.

The lower bearing races which get distroyed are again another problem even if you do find the propper lower bearing! The bearing houses did not have these either!

So in the event you do need to replace the lowering bearing you can save a lot of work and time waisting by purchasing one of these replacements and be "done" with it!

Further note after talking with Cj Lane at CJ's Rods & Machines Inc. The reason for the plastic washer, sleeve and spring on 67-68 where to hold the bearings and races in place and are no longer needed with the new lower bearing setup. Keep in mind that between 66-69 saganaw went through 3 different series of steering columns with many differnt things being tried and failed!